Overview

• An unidentified man climbed the Altar of Confession around 9 a.m. Friday and urinated on the marble during a Holy Mass, according to local reports and circulating videos.
• Plainclothes officers quickly pulled him away and escorted him out, with Corriere della Sera reporting he was later arrested.
• Officials have not publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity or any charges, and the Holy See Press Office has issued no statement.
• Pope Leo XIV was reportedly informed of the incident and described as shocked by local media.
• The altar, reserved for papal liturgies above St. Peter’s tomb, has faced recent incidents including toppled candelabras in February and a nude protest in 2023.